A missing Manhattan is found deceased.

According to information from Manhattan Police, on October 18th the Riley County Police Department was contacted by the Utah Highway Patrol in reference to a single vehicle fatality accident involving a maroon in color Pontiac Montana van.

The fatality accident reportedly occurred on Interstate Highway 70 approximately forty-seven miles west of Green River, Utah. Utah Highway Patrol was able to positively identify the deceased driver and sole occupant of the Pontiac Montana van as missing Manhattan resident David Welch.

Evidence located at the scene indicates the accident occurred on September 3, 2013, but was not discovered due to the vehicle’s location being at the bottom of a ravine that could not be seen by highway traffic.

A hitchhiker reportedly discovered the accident earlier Friday while walking alongside the highway. Utah Highway Patrol is still actively investigating the fatality accident at this time.